The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors [Mass Market Paperback]

Jeff Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1992

Television's well-known Frugal Gourmet presents a collection of authentic recipes brought to the United States from around the world, including dishes from Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, the Middle East, Asia, and others. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- If ever a book needed to be on the shelves of libraries serving YAs, this is it. It's a treasure trove of information for those who enjoy cooking, who are interested in ethnic studies of the U. S., or who long for a deeper connection with their heritage. Smith shares with readers recipes of immigrants who are often overlooked--Basques, Ethiopians, Jamaicans, Latvians, Scottish, Saudi Arabians, and many more. Each chapter begins with an illustration of the people, a map, and a few pages of introduction, including history and food customs. The recipes are clearly written and easy to follow. Hints and equipment lists are thorough. A cookbook bibliography, immigrant history bibliography, source list for unusual ingredients, and an index complete the package. Celebrate America's melting pot with a cookbook that honors our diversity.
- Linda Vretos, West Springfield High School, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 619 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380717085
• ISBN-13: 978-0380717088
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > International

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My grandma's recepies!, April 15, 2000

By 

John (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors (Mass Market Paperback)

I just about cried when I tasted the Hungarian cabbage rolls in this book. I bought this cookbook a few years back and this is my favorite! I never was graced with being able to spend a day with my grandmother in the kitchen learning her recipes that she brought over from Hungary. Jeff has nailed them! I have spent years tasting other peoples Hungarian recepies and none have come close. The secrete is in the paprika gravy!

For anyone who is truly looking for an international cookbook, this is a must! My family and I have had more fun with this cookbook trying all the different recepies from all over the wolrld.

PBS....Bring back Jeff Smith.... Jeff if you are out there...we miss you in Cleveland!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A family favorite for over a decade, June 11, 2004

By 

Bortukan (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors: Recipes You Should Have Gotten from Your Grandmother (Hardcover)

My family has been using this cookbook for about 15 years, and we all love it. My brother and I started using it as high school kids, and loved experimenting with the enormous range of completely different cuisines represented here. When we left home our parents gave us each copies of this book, and it's still a favorite; now my husband loves the Filipino egg rolls, and the authentic Ethiopian section brings back fond memories of time I spent working there.

Over the years we've tried a high proportion of the recipes, and they've never failed or turned out "wrong." You will need access to some unusual ingredients, but many come in dried forms you could order over the internet if the selection in your town is limited. There's a helpful ingredient dictionary that suggests some substitutions. Any unfamilar techniques are explained so clearly, it's hard for even an inexperienced cook to mess things up. This is a great cookbook for any adventurous eater!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History and heritage flavor every page, September 9, 2002

By 

Dragon Lady "a film student" (DeSoto, MO United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors: Recipes You Should Have Gotten from Your Grandmother (Hardcover)

If you can't get your kids interested in history or world events, or better yet if they are, this cookbook is just what you're looking for. No lesson about the world at large is complete until we connect with those we hear about. Food is the ultimate form of communication, and this book communicates brilliantly. Every listing of recipes from an ethinic group in this book includes a map of their place of origin, and details of what great events of history shaped them. They also give the dates of major surges of immigration to the US for each group. Help your family develop a hunger for history with this book. You won't regret anything but the pounds (this stuff is delicious!).